Site Anal

Analysis
sis
Catherine Wissner
UW Cooperative Extension
Laramie County
Master Gardener Program
Plot Plan
 North
► North will always be pointing to the top of
the page or map.
► Use a compass
compass.
Wind
 Wind
► Different types: Chinook (warming west
winds) Gap (funneled by Mts
winds), Mts.),
) Bora
(caused by frontal passage).
► Atmosphere
A h constantly
l tries
i to be
b in
i
balance.
ƒ High to low, cold to warm, jet stream.
► Cheyenne
y is 4th in wind for large
g cities.
ƒ Windier places in Wyoming are: Rawlins, Hanna
and Medicine Bow.
ƒ Mike Weiland NWS, Cheyenne
Wind
 Wind Driven Snow
► Where does the snow drift on your property?
 Wind Driven Snow
► Use plants to help control the drifts
drifts.
 Wind Driven Snow
► Use fences to help control the drifts
drifts.
Views
 Views or Environments
► Views to save
save.

► Views
Vi to
t block.
bl k

► Homeowner Association restrictions.

► City restrictions.
Topography
opog ap y
 Topography

► 0-3% flat to gently sloping, possible

surface drainage problems, soil depth is
greater here.
► 3-8% gently sloping to rolling terrain,
terrain soil
concentration in low areas.
► 8-15% hilly,
hilly often rocky terrain,
terrain site
modification cost increase. Soil depth is
very limited.
limited
Sun Angles
Sun Angles
 Utilities
► Utility
easement.
easement
► Under ground.
► Above
Ab ground.
d
► Permanent structures.
► Future.
 Call Before You Dig
► Wyoming One Call
1-800
800--348
348--1030
or
1-800
800--849
849--2476
 Restrictions
► Cityand county regulations.
regulations
► Homeowner Associations.
► Trees.
T
► Lawn area.
► Landscape restrictions.
 Historical Elements
► Old buildings.
buildings
► Rock formations.
► Historical
Hi t i l markers.
k
► Registered buildings.
 Existing Structures
► Wells.
Wells
► Septictank.
► Leach
L h field.
fi ld
► Storage buildings/out buildings.
 Existing Plant Locations

► Old plantings, trees & shrubs.

► Size
Si off th
the plants.
l t
► Health of the plants.
► Stage of development.
► Will new material fit in?
► If there isn’t any plants on the site, why?
 Will New Plants Fit In
► What will be the mature plant size?
► Shade and sunny locations.
► Will they
th adapt?
d t?
How Will New Plants
Aff t th
Affect the Sit
Site
 What Are the Soils?

►A good soil is one that has good structure

and texture, is loose, and friable.
► Is high in organic matter and nutrient
content.
content
► Retains water but is also well drained and
high in oxygen content.
content
► Has a proper pH to allow plant growth.
 What Are the Soils?

► What are your soils?

► Get a soil test
test.
► Has the soil been disturbed by
construction?
► Is the soil compacted?
compacted?
 What is the Water Situation

► Has the water been tested?

► What is the water supply?
► Location, size, and capacity of the source of
water.
water
► Quality of the water.
► Cost of obtaining the water.
► Location of all sources of existing water.
 Macro & Micro
Climates
► Different zones
g
throughout the site.
► Each side of a
structure will be
different.
► Wind breaks will
affect the climates.
Rain Shadows
Windbreaks
Windbreaks
Windbreaks
 Wildlife
► What is the existing wildlife?
► Is the existing wildlife a problem?
► Do
D you wantt tto attract
tt t wildlife?
ildlif ?
 Budget
► Do all the work at once
once.
► Phases.
Think Spring